PAWTUCKET — Red Sox manager Terry Francona is always quick to put rookie prospects in their place, saying they’re not ready for Cooperstown.

It can be hard sometimes for fans not to get excited about all the young talent in the Red Sox organization and PawSox shortstop Jed Lowrie is just the latest farmhand who is making some noise.

The 23-year-old infielder crushed a pair of two-run homers yesterday to help Pawtucket to a 6-4 victory over the Rochester Red Wings at McCoy Stadium. He has hit safely in nine straight games and has three homers in as many games.

“I’m really pleased with Jed,” said Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson. “That’s a no-brainer. He’s got a really good swing.”

The highly-touted shortstop was promoted to Pawtucket from Portland on July 27, and at the time was hitting .297 with eight homers and 49 RBI in 93 games for the Sea Dogs. He’s continued his success with the PawSox and the switch-hitter has been crushing the ball of late from both sides of the plate.

“I’ve seen players over the years during their minor-league careers, like Johnny Damon,” Johnson explained. “He wasn’t a power guy in the minors then he matured and learned things at the plate. Jed’s got some life in his bat and he’s been very impressive. I’m really excited about him, as well as we should be. But we don’t want to go crazy because we know he’ll have some ups and downs. Right now we’ll enjoy the feast.”

Lowrie is, too.

“I’m having great at-bats,” he said. “I’m getting good pitches to hit and I’m putting good swings on them. That’s pretty much all I can ask of myself. As far as hitting home runs, I’m not trying to.”

The biggest difference for him in this transition has been the pitching. He said he realizes at this level you may get only one or two pitches to hit during an at-bat, while in Double-A you get more than that. Overall, he’s been able to make the transition an easy one.

“It’s been smooth,” he said. “The guys up here have been great and they’re accepting right away. It’s been easy so far, it helps that I’ve played well, too. I have to attribute that to RJ, the coaching staff and all the players, they run a good team.”

Moss on his way up

Officially, Brandon Moss is still a member of the PawSox. Unofficially, Brandon Moss is a member of the Boston Red Sox. It was reported yesterday that the outfielder would be called up to the Red Sox to replace Eric Hinske, who returned home to attend to a family matter. Johnson would not confirm the transaction even though Moss’s locker at McCoy was empty and he was headed to the West Coast.

Ellsbury off disabled list

After missing 15 consecutive games with a groin injury, PawSox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury was off the disabled list and back on the field for Pawtucket yesterday afternoon against the Red Wings. The 23-year-old talent didn’t miss a beat and went 3-for-3 with a walk, two runs scored and a stolen base.

jmcdonal@projo.com